Spring is definitely on its way; the days are getting longer, and the sun is beginning to shine. What better time to treat your smile to a little tender loving care and embrace the tradition of spring cleaning.

The team at College Dental Surgeries have got 5 key spring cleaning tips for your smile.

Perfect your brushing technique.brushing technique

It is all very well brushing your teeth twice a day but if you are not brushing effectively, you could still be at risk of dental decay. Be sure to use a brush with a small head and take care to follow a routine to ensure that you do not miss any areas. Brush for at least 2 minutes and use small, gentle, circular motions and angle the brush at 45 degrees so that you can clean the gum line effectively.

Spit don’t rinse.

After brushing it is best to spit, not rinse, as this will allow the fluoride in your toothpaste to stay in contact with your teeth for as long as possible. Fluoride is beneficial to teeth because:

  • It helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel.
  • It reverses early signs of tooth decay.
  • It prevents the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

When bacteria in your mouth break down sugar and carbohydrates, they produce acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel. This loss of minerals is called demineralization. Weakened tooth enamel leaves your teeth vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities.brushing

Fluoride helps to remineralise your tooth enamel, which can prevent cavities and reverse early signs of tooth decay.

Update your equipment.

Ideally you should replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn or splayed to ensure that you are brushing effectively. It is also important to ensure that you do not brush too hard as this can cause damage to the teeth and lead to toothbrush abrasion.

Clean interdentally.Clean interdentally

By cleaning interdentally, you will be able to reach those areas that brushing alone misses, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. There are a wide range of interdental cleaning aids available, so we are sure there is something for everyone. If flossing is not easy, why not try tape, interdental brushes, floss picks or an air flosser. No matter how you do it be sure to clean interdentally to keep your teeth looking their best.

Ensure that your diet is tooth friendly.diet

Foods such as nuts, fruits (such as apples), cheese, chicken and vegetables are all teeth friendly. It is also important to try and limit the amount of sugary foods you have. Ideally these should only be consumed at mealtimes to reduce the number of sugar attacks your teeth need to deal with.

If you would like to find out more about spring cleaning your smile, do not hesitate to call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340and book an appointment today.